Ed, John (suffering from a miserable cold), and Tim (hobbled by influenza), dive into the instructive and wildly entertaining book, Colonial Spirits: A Toast to Our Drunken History, and chat to its equally instructive and entertaining creators, author Steven Grasse and illustrator Michael Allen.

Colonial Spirits: A Toast to Our Drunken History

Other highlights include:

- A dizzying treatment of Ben Franklin's "Drinker's Dictionary."

- How to make Cock Ale in the original 18th century way. 

- Taste tests of Cranberry Shrub, Milk Punch, the Hot Flip, and Ginger Liqueur.

Plus, a reflection on the end of the Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus after nearly 150 years. (And do you remember that unicorn?)

Old Dutch, by QC Malt

Lemon Shrub, by QC Malt

Alesmith Brewing Company's Nut Brown Ale

Brooklyn Brewery's Brooklyn Brown Ale

The Balvenie, Double Wood 12-Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky